Red-Backed Salamander F916-B57

The red-backed salamander is a small (5.7 to 10.0 cm) terrestrial salamander which usually lives in forested areas under rocks, logs, bark, and other debris. It is one of the most numerous salamanders throughout its range.

The red-backed salamander exhibits color polymorphism and two color variations are common: the 'red-backed' or 'red-stripe' variety has a red dorsal stripe that tapers towards the tail, and the darker variety, known as the 'lead-backed' (or simply 'lead') phase, lacks most or all of the red pigmentation. The red-backed phase is not always red, but may actually be various other colors (e.g., yellow-backed, orange-backed, white-backed, or a rare erythristic morph in which the body is completely red). Both morphs have speckled black and white bellies.